The end of UCLA's 2006 season is inching ever closer as the Bruins have two more practices in Westwood before heading up north to San Francisco for the Emerald Bowl. It is hard to believe that another season has almost come and gone. It seems like just yesterday we were lathered up in sun screen and wearing shorts watching preseason camp last August.

The Bruins have had a topsy turvey season and much will be salvaged with a win against Florida State, not to mention it will keep the momentum going for the season of 2007.

Coach Karl Dorrell was once again in good spirits after practice when he gathered with the media.

Dorrell: "It is great when you have their undivided attention with no school. It's amazing how much you can get accomplished with preparation and meeting time and being able to execute things pretty good the way you put it in.

"We have had so far Monday and Tuesday being good days of practice. We probably have in twice the game plan that we normally would have, but we had the extra time and we wanted a chance to explore and put together a great package to get a great victory.

"This is a great challenge for our team as you know. Florida State is one of the winningest programs out there. They have the winningest coach in the history of this game and I have a lot of respect for him. He has a lot more wins than I probably will ever have in this profession.

"I know that they are hungry for a win themselves to kind of get a great taste on their season after probably something they would consider not to be a great season with their standards.

"This is a great challenge for our team and I think it is going to be a great game. I think it is one of the better bowl game match ups and we want to make sure that we are executing as well as we can."